Not in a dramatic sense. It was more of a reshaping of offseason priorities for the Patriots running back, and Burkhead’s tinkered training might set up the versatile weapon for the best season of his career. The Pats have prepared Burkhead for any type of matchup-based deployment, as a ball carrier who could lead the offense in rushing in one game or a route runner who could pace them in receptions the next.

Now Burkhead’s long-time dream of thriving in the Patriots offense could materialize.

“I’ve always watched them on film, even before I was in the NFL,” Burkhead told The Athletic. “Just growing up seeing how the backs were used in the passing game, the run game, it was something I was like, ‘Man, if I got in that offense, I would love to play there.’ It’s definitely something attractive to me and really intrigued me throughout the (free agency) process.”